Commenting on Geier v. American Honda Motor Co.

Authors

Edward K. Cheng

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Harvard Law Review

Publication Date

2000

ISSN

0017-811X

Page Number

339

Keywords

common law; preemption of state law; Geier Court

Disciplines

Common Law | Law | Torts

Abstract

Preemption is probably the most frequently used constitutional doctrine in practice. It is the doctrine by which Congress supersedes state law and establishes uniform federal regulatory schemes to ensure the smooth functioning of the national economy. The Supreme Court, in an effort to cabin this immense congressional power, has traditionally applied a "presumption against preemption" - a rule of statutory interpretation under which federal law does not preempt state police powers absent clear congressional intent. The presumption has recently fallen into some disfavor, however, and the Court has ignored it in some prominent preemption cases. It remains viable, but its vitality is now in question.

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